Corrective rape

Corrective rape is a hate crime in which one or more individuals are raped because of their perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. The goal of the perpetrator(s) is to punish perceived deviations from normative gender roles and sexual orientations, or to enforce conformity with heteronormative standards. This form of violence is most commonly directed towards lesbian women, but it can also affect gay men, bisexual individuals, and transgender people. Corrective rape is a severe violation of human rights and a form of sexual violence that is rooted in both homophobia and sexism.

Background

The term "corrective rape" was coined in South Africa, where the crime has been particularly prevalent, although it is not limited to this country. It reflects a broader pattern of gender-based violence and discrimination against individuals who do not conform to traditional gender roles and sexual orientations. Corrective rape is often carried out under the guise of "curing" the victim of their homosexuality or transgender identity, based on the misguided belief that forced heterosexual sex can change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Incidence

While comprehensive global statistics on corrective rape are difficult to obtain due to underreporting and lack of recognition by authorities, cases have been documented in various countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, and Ecuador. Victims often face significant barriers to seeking justice, including stigma, discrimination, and in some cases, the refusal of law enforcement agencies to recognize the crime or take it seriously.

Legal and Social Responses

In countries where corrective rape has been reported, legal and social responses have varied. In South Africa, for example, there has been some progress in recognizing and addressing the crime, including the establishment of a national task team to combat gender and sexual orientation-based violence. However, globally, there is still a lack of adequate legal protections for victims, and in many places, laws criminalizing homosexuality further exacerbate the situation, leaving victims with little recourse for justice.

Impact on Victims

The impact of corrective rape on victims can be devastating, including physical injuries, psychological trauma, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and in some cases, death. The trauma of the assault is often compounded by social stigma, isolation, and rejection by family and community members.

International Response

International human rights organizations, including the United Nations and Human Rights Watch, have condemned corrective rape and called for governments to take action to prevent it, protect victims, and prosecute perpetrators. There is a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive approaches that address the root causes of corrective rape, including homophobia, sexism, and gender-based violence.

See Also

• Hate crime
• Homophobia
• Transphobia
• Gender-based violence